𝑰𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 ✎

[39]

Maneka

When I woke up the next morning I was all alone in my bed. One would think everything that happened last night was a dream because I woke up like any other ordinary day. The only thing telling me that I didn't dream it was the odd places my body was aching.

As far as I remember we fell asleep on the ground itself. After he came undone, he made sure I did too with his hands and after that I remember cuddling up in his arms and asking him about his childhood. We fell asleep somewhere mid conversation, atleast I did. When I woke up in the morning I was on my bed all alone and my handmaiden had come to wake me up.

That is exactly how I have been waking up for the last three months and yet I felt a pang of disappointment today when I saw her face first instead of his.

Currently I am taking our almost ritualistic walk around the palace with Vaidehi. This has become like drinking tea at this point, because almost every morning without fail we do this. Today though my contribution to our conversation is barely anything and I am hoping Vaidehi doesn't notice. All my mind is focusing on, is which corner of the Palace am I going to spot him in.

"And then I told her to her face that I didn't like the embroidery on the saree and I would like her to redo it!" She announced proudly. I almost don't understand the context but then it comes to me at once. Vaidehi is a little bit of a people pleaser when it comes to servants and has a hard time saying no to requests and telling people something she doesn't like. It has something to do with the fact that she still thinks she doesn't deserve the sudden privilege she has got.

So there is a new saree that the royal garment makers were designing for her for the grand puja on the eight day of Navaratri but she didn't like how it was turning out and had trouble in saying the same to them so I gave her a little pep talk in the last two days to help her build her affirmation.

It's things like this that still show that Vaidehi has not had a royal upbringing afterall. The way she carries and expresses herself could easily fool you because of her charm, poise and elegance but a princess upbringing would have made sure she is not a people pleaser atleast to the servants that work for her. It's just the way we are brought up, somewhere deep down that distinction of the people working for us and us being superior to them is conditioned in our minds from a very young age. In some cases, it's to the point of obnoxious and makes some royals insufferable.

"That's great! I am proud of you!" I tell her honestly. She beams in response. Her skin practically glowing under the sun.

"So....now you tell me what has been on your mind since we met?" She asks. Shit. She noticed.

"Umm....nothing really. It's just...I was missing Narwara." I lie. She seems to buy it though.
She squeezes my arm and nods at me. "Just say the word and he will arrange a meeting for you. I am sure your father will be more than happy." By he she is referring to Raghavendra. I have noticed she never takes his name in front of others but does take his name when they are in private. It's really cute actually. Raghav must have told her he doesn't mind her taking his name or something so she does it for him.
I myself never took Samay's name as is customary for wives in Talya. Except in my thoughts.

I roll my eyes. "My father was willing to let me die in my husband's pyre instead of taking me home with him. I hardly think he cares."
My father has never been a bad father but he has also never been very involved in mine and my brother's lives.

"Maneka..." She starts but I interrupt her. It's not a sore subject but also one I don't want to talk about.
"Just let it go please." I urge. She sighs before nodding.
We walk quietly together taking in the beautiful weather.